MLB Predictions: Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Cleveland Indians (40-37) and Baltimore Orioles (43-36) will close out a four-game American League series Thursday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET

Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are 12-10 at home with a betting total of 9 to 9.5

Cleveland has alternated wins and losses over its last five games, as it comes off a 4-3 victory over Baltimore as +133 road underdogs Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total for a fourth consecutive contest. “This was one of those games where it would’ve been a killer loss,” commented Indians manager Terry Francona. Offensively, second baseman Jason Kipnis has reached base safely in 28 straight ballgames, which has led directly to a .364 average and 21 RBIs in that span. Cleveland is 1-8 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 this season.

Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (6-4, 3.68 ERA) has won three consecutive outings, including a 8-7 home victory over the Minnesota Twins last time out, as he allowed three runs and eight hits over 5.2 frames. The right-hander is 4-2 with a 4.04 ERA in seven road games (six starts), issuing just seven walks and striking out 40 batters in 42.1 combined innings. Kluber will be facing the Orioles for the first time in his career.

Baltimore has won just four of its last 10 games, while it has gone UNDER the betting total in three consecutive contests. “When our closer comes in the game, we’re believing that we’re going to win the game,” stated Orioles outfielder Adam Jones after Jim Johnson blew last night’s save opportunity. Third baseman Manny Machado continues to put up incredible numbers at the plate, as the rookie is batting .319 with five home runs and 39 RBIs. Baltimore is 12-10 at home with a betting total of 9 to 9.5, with the UNDER going 11-8-3 in that situation.

Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (5-3, 3.75 ERA) had his personal three-game winning streak snapped last time out, as he suffered a 4-2 road loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing three runs and three hits over 7.1 innings. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 4.15 ERA in six home outings, surrendering eight home runs in 39 combined frames. In two career games (one start) against the Indians, Gonzalez has compiled a 1-0 record and 2.45 ERA.